Boston for grownups. BostonZest is your guide for enjoying a full-flavored life in an unbeatable city. We'll show you that there is life in Boston beyond the "club kids" and students.
Whether you live in Boston, plan to visit Boston, or you are moving to Boston; we'll help you locate great food, fun events, and reliable resources.

More about BostonZest

Google webmaster

Thursday, January 10, 2008

A Neighborhood Resource, Lois Harvey

Lois Harvey’s morning commute is a stroll through the heart of the neighborhood she serves. However, it’s a stroll punctuated by stops to chat with a volunteer, answer a neighbor’s question, and pick up litter.

For the next few hours Harvey, the office administrator for the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB), responded to messages and calls. “I’m a people person.” “I do like the idea of being a resource for people.” Harvey said.

A NABB member called asking advice about a storage box that was reducing visibility at the entrance to an alley. “Sergeant Harvey,” as she jokingly called herself, donned her coat and went to take a look.

Back in the office she delivered a precise description of the situation to Sita Smith in City Councilor Mike Ross’ office, listened to the response, and called the member with an update.

An interesting series of careers developed a set of skills that serves her well. Harvey began as a teacher. Today she educates people about NABB and the historic neighborhood.

From teaching she transitioned into educational publishing at Houghton Mifflin. She uses the writing, editing, advertising, and design techniques learned there to prepare NABB’s newsletters and print material.

Next, she followed her entrepreneurial instinct and became a partner in a promotional products company. The time management and multitasking abilities developed to succeed in business are perfectly suited to a neighborhood association with a tight budget.

She learned about the staff side of non-profits with a stint at Historic Boston. However, her friends at NABB needed an office administrator who understood the organization. Harvey had been a board member and committee chair. “They twisted my arm just hard enough for me to say yes, and I have enjoyed the job more than I ever anticipated,” she said.

Preparations are currently underway for NABB’s “Taste of the Back Bay.” While Harvey is quick to heap praise on “a huge committee of very dedicated people,” she admitted that it’s a busy time for her. This event is vital to the organization and provides funding to support the NABB office.

“This year I’m particularly pleased that Wachovia Securities is the presenting sponsor. This is an organization that I’ve had a personal relationship with for many years, and so it was a joy to see them come on board,” said Harvey.

The NABB office is the connection point for approximately 1700 members, 20 operating committees, and more than 100 key volunteers. “It’s important to remember that everyone except for Lois is a volunteer. She’s the one we turn to for continuity and understanding what is going on in multiple committees.” “She is my lifeline… I just love working with Lois,” said NABB President, Manya Chylinski.

That feeling is reciprocated. “I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the quality of the people who contribute to this organization,” Harvey said of NABB volunteers.Harvey also loves her job’s connection to the neighborhood. She moved here in 1993. “I was very attracted by the beautiful buildings in Back Bay.” “I just fell in love with the charm of the neighborhood and have not fallen out of love since.”

“I sometimes have to close my eyes and imagine these same structures that were lived in by people who wore elegant clothing and walked on dirt streets. And, you could hear the clip clop of horses. I would love to peek into that past for a little bit.”

Article and photos by Penny Cherubino was published in the Back Bay Sun in March of 2007.

Comments

A Neighborhood Resource, Lois Harvey

Lois Harvey’s morning commute is a stroll through the heart of the neighborhood she serves. However, it’s a stroll punctuated by stops to chat with a volunteer, answer a neighbor’s question, and pick up litter.

For the next few hours Harvey, the office administrator for the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB), responded to messages and calls. “I’m a people person.” “I do like the idea of being a resource for people.” Harvey said.

A NABB member called asking advice about a storage box that was reducing visibility at the entrance to an alley. “Sergeant Harvey,” as she jokingly called herself, donned her coat and went to take a look.

Back in the office she delivered a precise description of the situation to Sita Smith in City Councilor Mike Ross’ office, listened to the response, and called the member with an update.

An interesting series of careers developed a set of skills that serves her well. Harvey began as a teacher. Today she educates people about NABB and the historic neighborhood.

From teaching she transitioned into educational publishing at Houghton Mifflin. She uses the writing, editing, advertising, and design techniques learned there to prepare NABB’s newsletters and print material.

Next, she followed her entrepreneurial instinct and became a partner in a promotional products company. The time management and multitasking abilities developed to succeed in business are perfectly suited to a neighborhood association with a tight budget.

She learned about the staff side of non-profits with a stint at Historic Boston. However, her friends at NABB needed an office administrator who understood the organization. Harvey had been a board member and committee chair. “They twisted my arm just hard enough for me to say yes, and I have enjoyed the job more than I ever anticipated,” she said.

Preparations are currently underway for NABB’s “Taste of the Back Bay.” While Harvey is quick to heap praise on “a huge committee of very dedicated people,” she admitted that it’s a busy time for her. This event is vital to the organization and provides funding to support the NABB office.

“This year I’m particularly pleased that Wachovia Securities is the presenting sponsor. This is an organization that I’ve had a personal relationship with for many years, and so it was a joy to see them come on board,” said Harvey.

The NABB office is the connection point for approximately 1700 members, 20 operating committees, and more than 100 key volunteers. “It’s important to remember that everyone except for Lois is a volunteer. She’s the one we turn to for continuity and understanding what is going on in multiple committees.” “She is my lifeline… I just love working with Lois,” said NABB President, Manya Chylinski.

That feeling is reciprocated. “I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the quality of the people who contribute to this organization,” Harvey said of NABB volunteers.Harvey also loves her job’s connection to the neighborhood. She moved here in 1993. “I was very attracted by the beautiful buildings in Back Bay.” “I just fell in love with the charm of the neighborhood and have not fallen out of love since.”

“I sometimes have to close my eyes and imagine these same structures that were lived in by people who wore elegant clothing and walked on dirt streets. And, you could hear the clip clop of horses. I would love to peek into that past for a little bit.”

Article and photos by Penny Cherubino was published in the Back Bay Sun in March of 2007.

Note on Comments: We MODERATE comments and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.